U.S. President Donald Trump has pointed fingers at what he called “insurrectionists” for the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles, following the deployment of National Guard troops to suppress protests against federal immigration raids.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump stated:
“The people that are causing the problems are professional agitators and insurrectionists. They’re bad people, they should be in jail.”
The 78-year-old Republican leader, who turns 79 on Saturday, made these remarks after returning from Camp David, where he met with senior U.S. military and government officials.
Tensions Over Immigration Raids
The protests erupted in response to aggressive immigration raids in California, especially in Los Angeles, a city known for its large immigrant population and progressive leadership. Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard — without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom — has drawn national controversy.
Though the White House has stated that the deployment was made under Title 10, a rarely used federal law allowing military involvement in civil matters, Trump declined to clarify whether he intends to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would permit wider use of military force in domestic unrest.
Political Clash with California Leaders
Governor Gavin Newsom, a high-profile Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, has strongly opposed the National Guard’s presence, insisting the protests have remained mostly peaceful and the federal intervention is unnecessary.
Trump fired back at Newsom, saying:
“He’s done a terrible job. Look, I like Gavin Newsom, he’s a nice guy — but he’s grossly incompetent, everybody knows.”
The tension escalated after Trump’s former immigration chief, Tom Homan, suggested Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face federal charges for obstructing immigration enforcement. Newsom responded defiantly, daring Homan to arrest him — a challenge Trump seemed to support.
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“I would do it if I were Tom,” Trump said.
National Debate Over Federal Power
Trump’s remarks and actions have intensified a national debate over immigration policy, state vs. federal authority, and the use of military force on U.S. soil. Critics argue the move is politically motivated, while supporters say it’s a necessary step to enforce the rule of law and maintain order.
The situation in Los Angeles continues to evolve, with more protests expected and federal-state tensions reaching new highs ahead of the 2024 U.S. election cycle.
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